CALGARY – A lawyer representing Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the truck driver responsible for the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus accident, has stated that his client is nearing deportation to India. Lawyer Michael Greene revealed that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has declined one of two final attempts for Sidhu to remain in Canada.
Greene indicated that with the rejection of the pre-removal risk assessment, the Canada Border Services Agency is now legally obliged to proceed with Sidhu's removal “as soon as possible.” Greene expressed uncertainty regarding the timing of the deportation but intends to request a deferral until a prior application aimed at restoring Sidhu’s permanent resident status is resolved. He mentioned, “They have a mandate to move but sometimes they’re reasonable.”
Sidhu, who was a rookie truck driver in Calgary, failed to stop at a stop sign, resulting in a collision with a bus carrying the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team, near Tisdale, Saskatchewan, in April 2018. This incident led to the deaths of 16 individuals and injured 13 others, causing a nationwide wave of sorrow, condolences, and tributes.
After pleading guilty to dangerous driving charges, Sidhu received an eight-year prison sentence. He arrived in Canada as a permanent resident in 2014 and had only been employed by a small trucking company for three weeks before the catastrophic event. Under Canadian law, a criminal conviction with a sentence exceeding six months removes an individual’s eligibility to remain as a permanent resident.
Following his release on full parole in 2023, the Immigration and Refugee Board deemed it necessary for Sidhu to be deported the following year. Greene shared that Sidhu learned only recently that his pre-removal risk assessment had not been approved, indicating that this outcome was expected. He described the process as having a “very high bar to achieve,” asserting that Sidhu’s desire to stay in Canada is not predicated on danger, but rather on personal circumstances.
Greene noted the importance of pursuing the pre-removal risk assessment, as it delayed potential deportation while the assessment was ongoing. However, with its conclusion, there are no remaining legal barriers to prevent Sidhu’s removal. Greene is currently evaluating whether to challenge the assessment in Federal Court and intends to seek a deferral while the application to restore Sidhu’s permanent residence based on humanitarian grounds is under consideration.
Sidhu is a father of two, one of whom has complex medical needs. Greene emphasized the importance of keeping the family together, stating, “We will ask they do not split up the family and send him back to India.” He estimates that without any reprieve, Sidhu’s deportation could occur in two to three months, stating that the ongoing stress has taken a significant toll on Sidhu and his family.
Greene expressed that the enduring uncertainty has weighed heavily on Sidhu and his wife, contributing to significant psychological stress. “While some people have forgiven him, he has not forgiven himself. It’s still something he relives constantly,” Greene added.
Chris Joseph, a resident of St. Albert, Alberta, whose son, Jaxon, died in the bus crash, voiced his hope that the deportation would move forward. He described the deportation as a significant chapter in the grieving process. “If we lose everything else but he gets deported, that might be the only thing that gives us a little bit of peace,” Joseph stated, noting that it could facilitate his journey toward forgiveness.
This news report highlights the intricate legal and emotional circumstances surrounding Sidhu’s case, which continues to evoke strong sentiments among those affected by the tragic accident. Greene’s next steps will significantly influence the outcome, as he navigates the complexities surrounding Sidhu’s immigration status while addressing the profound impacts of the 2018 incident on families and the broader community.
